Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.

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Developmental & Learning Disorders
/ Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Daycare advice

jordanc
jordanc
My current daycare provider, who has done a wonderful job so far, has made a few comments recently that leads me to question how long she will continue with us. She told my wife on more than one occasion that she knows a daycare provider (only about one block away from her) who has past experience working with special needs children. I think she used to be a special ed. teacher. Our daycare provider hasn't come right out and say that she wants to discontinue her service, but I have a bad feeling that it may come in the near future. She has only made comments like this after "difficult" days with my son, which have been very few, and what child doesn't have difficult days? The current daycare provider has done a wonderful job with my son, and I want to keep going to her, but I'm just not sure how to handle the situation. I feel that another daycare change (the last was four months ago) may hinder my son's growth and improvement with his ASD. If I come to her with this, I don't want to offend her, which may also initiate a change. I'm just lost and not sure what to do. I just want what's best for my son.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had a similar experience, albeit with daycare programs. We moved from NYC (pre diagnosis) and had to pull our son from his school, when we settled we enrolled him in another, only to keep him there for a few short months (about the time we got an ASD diagnosis). We then enrolled our son in a special school where he flourished only for the school district to tell us we had to move him to their school or private pay. In the end, we choose to private pay and keep him in the current school because he was making great strides. I think you're right in that providing a stable environment is an important component in your son's education. If the goal is to mainstream him by kindergarten, then choose the path that prepares him the most with minimal disruption. Now, sometimes disruption can be good (e.g., moving to a better suited, integrated program) and I do believe that children can suffer a moderate setback with any move. That said, I'd want to make certain that the benefits of moving are significant. Marginal improvements that come at the cost of the trauma of disruption don't really add up (in my opinion of course). I think you're asking all the right questions. And, I don't think it hurts to investigate further. Next time your daycare provider hints at the other resource, ask her about it in more detail. It's better to know up front if she thinks she's ill suited for the job. In this way you can create a transition program while you find a new resource, and one that has limited chance of turnover. I hope this helps.
deleted_user
deleted_user
We played musical daycares ourselves before we got the PDD-NOS diagnosis. (Ryan has been kicked out of 3 daycares due to biting and other aggressive behaviors). I often got the feeling we were going to get the boot before it happened, so I would be willing to bet that your feelings are right. I would start to shop around so that you don't get stuck with having to take him to whatever place has an opening, then end up in the same boat again. I'm just speaking from experience.

If your son is 3 years or older, consider going to the school district about preschool services. They are required by federal law to offer their services to special needs children 3 years and older. This way, he can get early intervention such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, and he will be with a certified teacher who knows how to work best with him.

Since I got my son enrolled in our local district's developmental preschool class, he has grown by leaps and bounds. If you need any advice on going through the process, let me know.